A Kitchen Refurbishment in Eyam

When we were asked to take on a kitchen refurbishment in Eyam, we knew straight away it was going to be a special project. Eyam, with its stone cottages and character-filled homes, has a way of reminding you that every space tells a story. For this job, at 2 Carr Cottages, we worked with Madelaine and Rachel to give their kitchen a new lease of life — transforming a dark and dated space into a bright, welcoming part of their home.

The Starting Point

The kitchen before the refurbishment had good bones, but it felt tired. The old dark blue units made the space feel smaller, and the flooring had seen better days. The layout itself wasn’t bad, but there were clear opportunities to make the room warmer, lighter, and more practical.

The old decor

Madelaine and Rachel had already chosen their new kitchen through DIY Kitchens — a light grey shaker-style design that instantly modernised the space without losing that cosy cottage feel. Our job at Cressbrook Construction was to bring everything together with proper installation, new flooring, insulation, and heating.

Stripping It Back and Starting Fresh

The first stage of any kitchen refurbishment is always the same — take it back to the shell. We removed the old units, disconnected appliances, and stripped out the flooring. Once the room was cleared, we could see exactly what we were working with.

Old cottages like this one in Eyam, Derbyshire, often come with surprises behind the plaster and under the floorboards. Thankfully, this one was in decent shape, though we did need to level the floor and add proper insulation before laying the new laminated surface. This makes a huge difference to warmth and comfort — particularly important in the colder months in the Derbyshire Dales.

Laying the Foundation – New Flooring and Heating

The new insulated laminated flooring was chosen to suit the lighter tones of the kitchen and to handle day-to-day wear and tear. It’s a smart choice for traditional homes because it looks great, feels solid underfoot, and provides better insulation than standard laminate.

We also replaced the old radiator with a more efficient modern one. Heating is often overlooked in kitchen renovations, but in stone-built cottages like this, good warmth and ventilation are vital. It’s all part of making sure the finished kitchen isn’t just nice to look at but practical and comfortable year-round.

Fitting the New Kitchen

Once the groundwork was done, it was time for the exciting bit — fitting the new light grey kitchen. The difference was immediate. The lighter colour reflected natural light beautifully, giving the room a brighter, more spacious feel.

We carefully fitted all the units, adjusted doors, aligned worktops, and made sure everything was level. Small details like these matter; they’re what turn a standard kitchen install into a professional refurbishment. The new laminate worktops tied the design together nicely and were practical for everyday use.

Every appliance was installed and tested, all joints sealed, and finishing touches added to make sure everything looked seamless. By the end of the week, the kitchen was already looking like a completely different space.

A Modern Kitchen with Character and Comfort

The end result was exactly what the clients had hoped for — a kitchen renovation that felt modern, clean, and easy to use, while still fitting perfectly into a traditional Derbyshire cottage. The combination of lighter tones, improved flooring, and new heating made a noticeable difference to how the space felt. Madelaine and Rachel were delighted with the transformation. They now have a kitchen that’s not only beautiful but much more comfortable to live in. In total, the project took 3- 4 weeks in total from planning to completion.

Why Choose Cressbrook Construction

We’ve carried out kitchen refurbishments and renovations all across the Hope Valley and Derbyshire Dales, from traditional cottages like this one to more modern properties. Every job is different, but our approach is always the same — quality workmanship, attention to detail, and a straightforward way of working.

We take care of everything from start to finish, helping clients choose materials, plan layouts, and manage the project without unnecessary stress. Whether you’re after a full kitchen renovation or just want to update your worktops and flooring, we can help you get the job done right.

A Few Tips for Homeowners

If you’re planning your own kitchen refurbishment in Eyam or anywhere nearby, here are a few things to keep in mind:

• Plan your layout carefully – Make sure it suits how you actually use the space.

• Don’t forget insulation and heating – These make a huge difference in older homes.

• Go for durable finishes – Laminated floors and worktops are practical and cost-effective.

• Choose the right lighting – Natural and warm LED lighting brings the best out of any design.

At Cressbrook Construction, we’re always happy to offer advice or carry out a Free Home Survey to help you get started.

The Eyam kitchen project was a great reminder of how the right design, materials, and workmanship can completely transform a home. What was once a dark, slightly cold kitchen is now a bright, welcoming space that fits the property perfectly.

Every kitchen refurbishment we carry out across Hope Valley, North Derbyshire and West Sheffield gets the same level of care and attention. Whether you’re looking for a full kitchen renovation, a new floor, or a simple refresh, we’re here to help.

Get in Touch

If you’re thinking about starting your own kitchen refurbishment in Eyam or the surrounding areas, contact Cressbrook Construction today. We’ll help you plan, design, and build a kitchen that’s both practical and stylish — and built to last.